The Best Online Sommelier Classes

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Sommeliers know wine. While many wine lovers may think they’re a wine expert, attending a wine tasting does not make a sommelier. There’s a vast array of studies for sommelier certification: learning wine regions and the varietals they produce, viticulture, enology, food pairings, and taste.

While you always have the option of reading books about wine or taking a course that allows self-paced study, an online class may provide the structure, ease, and motivation needed to receive a sommelier accreditation.

The work is extensive, but the rewards of being a certified sommelier are worth it for those who commit to pursuing the title. There are dozens of wine schools to choose from, both online and in-person, so we narrowed them down by selecting the best online sommelier classes.

The Best Online Sommelier Classes

Best Overall: Napa Valley Wine Academy
Best Variety of Courses: Wine School of Philadelphia International
Best International: Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Best for U.S. Wine: Cornell University Online
Best for Industry Professionals: International Wine Center
Best Free: University of Adelaide
Best Licensed Provider: International Sommelier Guild

Best Overall : Napa Valley Wine Academy

Why We Chose It: Napa Valley Wine Academy ranks as best overall because it is approved by the internationally known Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). The courses are designed to educate industry professionals and wine enthusiasts.

What We Like

Certified instructors
Wide variety of certification courses
Recommended readings designed by wine experts
Courses available for specific wine regions
Online mentoring

What We Don't Like

Hands-on workshops such as the WSET Level 3 Harvest Boot Camp can’t be attended virtually

Based in Napa Valley, California, Napa Valley Wine Academy is an approved program provider of the internationally recognized Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). It offers courses for people with varying levels of wine expertise, from everyday enthusiasts to wine industry professionals. For this reason, it is an ideal choice for anyone looking to become a sommelier.

The online courses range from Wine 101 Foundation for an introduction to the world of wine as well as advanced sommelier certifications. Students have the option for regional wine certifications in Argentina, Oregon, Italy, and more. As an added feature, students can schedule coaching sessions with a mentor.

Costs vary by course. For example, Wine 101 Foundation is $125, and the Business of Wine is $499.

Best Variety of Courses : Wine School of Philadelphia International

Why We Chose It: The sheer volume of offerings at the Wine School of Philadelphia International—everything from sparkling wines, food pairings, natural wine, spirits, and even a course on how to drink for a living—make it our pick for the best variety of courses.

What We Like

Something for every level of interest
Courses are geared toward the entire wine trade
Ability to earn a sommelier certification up to the master level
You’re invited to open and enjoy a bottle of wine during online classes

What We Don't Like

Working at your own pace may not be ideal for every learner

The Wine School of Philadelphia International provides courses for every level of interest, whether you want to take a one-hour class or are pursuing a full sommelier certification.

A sommelier pin is given to students who earn two core certifications—the Foundation and the Intermediate certifications called the Core Wine Program. Students can earn a certification from advanced sommelier up to master-level sommelier online. For this, students need to pass both Level 2 and Level 3 exams. Students can take courses individually, while the Core Program provides both programs in one semester, saving money on tuition costs.

As the online courses are part of the National Wine School’s professional certification programming, students can earn a nationally recognized sommelier certification entirely online and at a discounted rate compared to in-person training.

Each course's price varies: Level One is $150, while many of the online wine tasting classes start at $12.99.

Best International : Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)

Why We Chose It: With more than 800 approved course providers in 70 countries, students can take courses in 15 languages through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

What We Like

Flexibility to learn online
Comprehensive course load
Globally recognized WSET qualifications
Demo classes

What We Don't Like

Online students wishing to qualify at level 3 and above need to attend an in-person tasting workshop

As the largest global provider of wine, spirits, and sake qualification, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust offers four progressive levels of study for both wine enthusiasts and industry professionals. The WSET qualifications are internationally recognized in the wine and spirit industry.

WSET works with more than 800 teaching and exam centers to provide education throughout the world in person and online. Although there are classroom learning options, online options are abundant as well.

The total course load covers wines, spirits, and sake. Demo classes allow students to sample a course before joining. Upon completion of each level, students receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. Prices are not listed.

Best for U.S. Wine : Cornell University Online

Why We Chose It: The certificate program focuses on the four major wine-producing regions in the United States.

What We Like

A focused education on U.S. wine regions
At-home wine tasting experience

What We Don't Like

No International wine certification

Guided by renowned wine expert Cheryl Stanley, Cornell University’s online wine program centers around wines made in California, Washington, Oregon, and New York.

Learning wine tasting and evaluation techniques, students learn to identify the distinct aromas and flavors of wine. Courses then move on to discovering the regions and their unique features, flavor profiles, and production factors. Instruction also covers how to interpret wine labels, select the best wines from a region, and pair food with wine.

The education ends with a virtual wine tasting, during which students can taste and compare their perceptions. Contact the school for pricing information.

Best for Industry Professionals : International Wine Center

Why We Chose It: The International Wine Center has a long history as a wine and spirits school and is dedicated to professional studies.

What We Like

Level 1 is optional
17 graduates are now Masters of Wine
Thousands of students educated since 1982

What We Don't Like

Level 4 courses are only available in person

With more than 35 years as a wine and spirits school, International Wine Center is one of the most established and recognized educational centers in the U.S.

Courses can be taken at its New York facility or online from anywhere. Course levels include WSET Levels 1 through 4. Level 1 is optional if the student already feels comfortable around wine.

Level 1 consists of a six-module program for four weeks that comprise 1.3 hours of online activities and textbook study per week. Level 2 also has six modules covered over five weeks, with six hours of online activities and textbook study per week. Level 3 is a nine-week program and recommends 10 hours of online activity and textbook study per week. WSET Level 4 Courses in Wines consist of six units and are taken in person.

All online courses offer the opportunity to access all content, including discussions, instructor chats, and feedback as often as needed each week. Level 1 is $318; Level 2 is $648; and level 3 is $1,159. Level 4 courses are priced individually and collectively cost several thousand dollars.

Best Free : University of Adelaide

Why We Chose It: The option for students to try the wine course at no cost makes it our pick for the best free option.

What We Like

Consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities
Free course auditing option

What We Don't Like

Limited options for wine courses

Although the University of Adelaide only offers one free wine course—World of Wine: From Grape to Glass—we deemed it worth inclusion because anyone can try it regardless of budget.

Students learn principles and practices, and it’s appropriate for wine novices as well as industry professionals. Students learn to determine flavor profiles, appearance, and aroma. The course serves as a nice introduction to the world of wine.

A certification to show you completed the course is available for $199.

Best Licensed Provider : International Sommelier Guild

Why We Chose It: The combination of qualified professors, interesting curriculum, and the International Sommelier Guild’s licensed status leads us to choose it for best licensed provider.

What We Like

Both live and online courses
Comprehensive course options
A step-by-step program to certification
Opportunity to go as far as desired

What We Don't Like

Tuition costs are higher than other courses mentioned here

At the International Sommelier Guild (ISG), students have the option of live or online courses. Their comprehensive education includes courses on full enology, wine business, nutrition, and more.

The courses are delivered in a step-by-step format, and they award an Intermediate Wine Certificate (IWC), an Advanced Wine Certificate (AWC), a Sommelier Diploma, and more.

The multistep programs allow students the opportunity to progress as far as they desire. Prices range from $500 for the Intermediate Wine Certificate course up to $17,500 for an online degree that requires more than 1,800 hours of learning.

Final Verdict

Most of the schools listed here offer certification for each level accomplished, making it easy to progress in steps until the desired level of wine education is achieved. The variety of course offerings at the Wine School of Philadelphia International, however, makes it a top choice for someone wanting to try different wine courses.

While there weren’t many negative aspects of the courses mentioned, one possible downside of all online sommelier courses is the lack of in-person training. The ability to study independently is required in order to stay on track and accomplish goals to achieve sommelier certification. Many of the courses do host virtual wine tastings, which provide a more interactive experience.

Compare the Best Online Sommelier Classes

Course	Regions Covered	Certification Levels	Course Length
Napa Valley Wine Academy Best Overall	America, Argentina, Italy	By Region	Self-paced, 12 months to complete
Wine School of Philadelphia International Best Variety of Courses	U.S., Tuscany, Greece, France, Australia, New Zealand	Advanced Wine Certifications	Separate individual classes
Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Best International	International	Levels 1-4	Six hours study time for each level
Cornell University Online Best for U.S. Wine	California, Washington, Oregon, New York	By Region	Three courses
International Wine Center Best for Industry Professionals	International	Levels 1-4	Multiple weeks for each level
University of Adelaide Best Free	N/A	Free to audit; can add a verified certificate for a fee	6 weeks
International Sommelier Guild Best Licensed Provider	International	All levels up to ISGM Sommelier Degree (ISGM Sommelier Degree)	Self-paced

FAQs

How Do Sommelier Schools Receive Accreditation?

As there are no federal requirements for certifying sommeliers, qualifications are determined by an employer; however, there are state-authorized accreditations for state-approved trade schools.

Can Certification Be Obtained Without Attending In-Person Courses?

Absolutely. Most of the recommended courses offer a choice between a certified or noncertified course.

How We Chose the Best Online Sommelier Classes

We took into consideration wine schools recommended by SOMM, an independent wine education review body, and looked at wine schools that offered a variety of courses and options for online study and certification. We chose The Napa Valley Wine Academy as best overall, for example, because it offers something for every level of wine drinker and is internationally recognized.

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